Have you ever ordered way too much Chinese food and wondered how long those delicious leftovers will stay good? I’ve been there too! Nothing beats the convenience of having leftover chicken chow mein or lo mein in the fridge for a quick meal, but food safety should always come first. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about storing your favorite Chinese noodle dishes.
The Quick Answer: Fridge & Freezer Storage Times
The short answer is that leftover chicken chow mein or lo mein will last
- In the refrigerator: 3-4 days
- In the freezer: 2-3 months for best quality
But there’s much more to proper food storage than just knowing these timeframes. Let’s dive deeper!
Proper Refrigeration of Leftover Chinese Food
When you’ve got leftover chicken chow mein or lo mein that you want to save for later, time is of the essence. Here’s what you need to know:
The 2-Hour Rule
Bacteria multiply rapidly between 40°F and 140°F (what food safety experts call the “danger zone”). To prevent foodborne illness, refrigerate your leftover Chinese food within two hours of cooking or purchasing If it’s been sitting out longer than that, unfortunately, it’s safest to toss it
How to Store Leftovers Properly
To maximize both safety and quality:
- Let the food cool slightly (but don’t leave it out more than 2 hours)
- Transfer to airtight containers rather than keeping it in the original takeout boxes
- Make sure your refrigerator is set at 40°F or below
- Store the containers in the main part of the fridge, not the door where temperatures fluctuate
Signs Your Leftover Chinese Food Has Gone Bad
Even within the 3-4 day window, always check your leftovers before eating. Discard if you notice:
- An off or sour odor
- Unusual appearance or discoloration
- Slimy texture
- Visible mold
- Any strange or off flavor
Trust your senses – when in doubt, throw it out! It’s not worth risking food poisoning for leftover noodles.
Freezing Leftover Chicken Chow Mein/Lo Mein
If you won’t be eating your leftovers within 3-4 days, freezing is a great option to extend their life.
Best Practices for Freezing
Follow these steps for best results:
- Cool the food completely first
- Portion into meal-sized servings (this makes thawing easier)
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags
- Remove as much air as possible before sealing
- Label with contents and date
- Freeze at 0°F or below
While your frozen chow mein or lo mein will stay safe indefinitely at constant freezer temperatures, the quality is best within the first 2-3 months.
Freezing Tips for Better Quality
The texture of noodles can change after freezing. Here are some tips:
- If possible, slightly undercook the noodles before freezing
- Freeze sauce separately from noodles when possible
- For takeout, lo mein (softer noodles) generally freezes better than chow mein (crispy noodles)
Thawing and Reheating Safely
How you thaw and reheat your leftovers matters just as much as how you stored them.
Safe Thawing Methods
There are three safe ways to thaw frozen chicken chow mein or lo mein:
- In the refrigerator (safest method): Transfer from freezer to fridge and allow 24 hours to thaw
- Cold water method: Place sealed food in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes
- Microwave: Use the defrost setting, but plan to cook immediately after
Never thaw food at room temperature on the counter!
Refreezing Considerations
Once thawed in the refrigerator, leftover chicken chow mein or lo mein can be kept for an additional 3-4 days before cooking. However, if you thawed it using the microwave or cold water methods, cook it immediately.
Reheating for Best Results
To ensure both safety and tastiness:
- Stovetop method: Add a tablespoon of oil to a pan, heat on medium, and stir frequently until internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Microwave method: Place in microwave-safe dish, add a tablespoon of water, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between
- Oven method: Place in oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes
No matter which method you choose, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
The Difference Between Chow Mein and Lo Mein
While storage guidelines are the same for both dishes, it’s worth understanding the difference:
Lo mein means “stirred noodles” in Mandarin. The noodles are boiled first, then tossed with meat, vegetables, and sauce, resulting in softer, more flexible noodles.
Chow mein translates to “stir-fried noodles.” These noodles are fried until crispy and often serve as a base for the other ingredients, giving the dish a satisfying crunch.
Due to their different textures, lo mein sometimes holds up better as leftovers, while chow mein may lose some of its signature crispiness.
Reviving Leftover Noodles
Let’s be honest – leftover Chinese noodles aren’t always as good as when fresh. Here are some tricks to bring them back to life:
- Add a splash of soy sauce or fresh sauce when reheating
- Toss in some fresh vegetables or protein
- Add a drizzle of sesame oil for flavor
- If noodles seem dry, add a tablespoon of chicken broth or water
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat leftover chicken chow mein cold?
Yes, you can eat leftover chicken chow mein or lo mein cold if it’s been properly stored in the refrigerator. However, the texture might not be as appealing, and from a safety perspective, reheating to 165°F kills any potential bacteria.
Can chicken chow mein or lo mein be reheated more than once?
While technically possible, it’s not recommended to reheat leftovers more than once. Each reheating cycle increases the risk of bacterial growth and decreases quality. Try to portion your leftovers so you only reheat what you’ll eat.
Can I add more sauce to my leftover chow mein or lo mein?
Absolutely! Adding fresh sauce when reheating can revive dried-out noodles and enhance flavor. Try a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, or sesame oil for an authentic taste.
Can I use leftover noodles to make a new chow mein or lo mein dish?
Yes! Leftover plain noodles can be transformed into a fresh chow mein or lo mein by stir-frying them with new ingredients and sauce. This is a great way to repurpose leftovers.
Storage Containers Make a Difference
The right storage containers can help extend the life of your leftovers:
- Glass containers are excellent for refrigeration and reheating
- BPA-free plastic containers with airtight seals work well
- Freezer-safe bags are perfect for freezing and take up less space
Whatever you do, don’t store leftovers in the original takeout containers. They’re not designed for long-term storage and won’t protect your food adequately.
The Bottom Line on Leftover Chinese Food Safety
Food safety should always be your top priority when dealing with leftovers. Remember these key points:
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking/purchasing
- Keep in the fridge for no more than 3-4 days
- Freeze for longer storage (up to 2-3 months for best quality)
- Always reheat to 165°F internal temperature
- When in doubt, throw it out!
By following these guidelines, you can safely enjoy your delicious leftover chicken chow mein or lo mein without worry.
This article was updated on September 18, 2025, to ensure all food safety information is current.
How Long Does Peking Duck Last in the Fridge?
Peking duck can last in a fridge for about 3 or 4 days. Avoid refrigerating it longer than this because it might spoil. The best solution is to wrap the meat and store it in an airtight container.
The duck meat can dry out in the fridge. If this happens to you, the best solution is to reheat the meat in a skillet with a few tablespoons of water or broth. This way, the meat will regain a juicy and soft texture again.
How Long Does Char Siu Last in the Fridge?
Char siu is a roasted pork meat that can endure up to 3 days in the fridge if you store it properly. Before placing it in the fridge, wrap it with cling film or seal it in the freezer bag to prevent it from drying.
Avoid slicing up more char siu than you plan to eat because slices tend to dry after a while. When storing sliced-up char siu in the fridge, wrap it up tightly to keep the meat as soft and juicy as possible.
To reheat baked char siu, preheat the oven to 375 F and wrap the meat in aluminum foil. Place meat in the oven and keep it there for 10 minutes. However, if you are preheating sliced char siu, leave it in the oven for 3 or 4 minutes.